A potential ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine may depend on a proposal from the United States for a 30-day pause in fighting. This pause is seen as a way to build trust between the two sides and work toward a lasting peace agreement.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed concerns that Russian President Vladimir Putin might use this pause to delay progress toward peace, possibly attaching conditions that could extend the conflict. Ukraine, under pressure from the U.S. government—which has previously halted military aid—expects to escalate sanctions against Moscow as leverage to encourage Putin to accept the ceasefire terms.
In recent remarks, former U.S. President Donald Trump mentioned his intent to speak with Putin about ending the war. He suggested the talks could involve "dividing up certain assets," including land and energy resources, to reach a resolution.
Both parties are currently holding firm to positions that make significant concessions difficult. Here’s what each side is demanding:
Russian Demands
Since the onset of the conflict, Putin has insisted that Ukraine must renounce its NATO ambitions and reduce its military presence. He also demands that Ukraine respect the Russian language and culture to remain under Moscow’s influence. Furthermore, Russia’s terms include Ukraine’s withdrawal from several regions it has illegally annexed, such as Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson. Additionally, Moscow wants the West to unfreeze Russian assets and alleviate sanctions while stating that any peace agreement requires removing the perceived threat from NATO’s military presence near its borders.
Ukrainian Demands
In contrast, Ukraine has softened its demands for a return to its pre-2014 borders, acknowledging it lacks the military capacity to reclaim all its territory. Instead, Ukraine is focused on securing international guarantees to ensure that Russia cannot invade again. This includes calls for more robust military support from allies and enhancements to its domestic military manufacturing capabilities. Notably, Ukraine is unwilling to cede any more territory to Russia and is pursuing the return of deported children and civilians held by Russia.
Negotiation Challenges
The negotiation landscape is complicated by both sides’ firm red lines, making reconciliation difficult. Moscow has flatly refused the presence of NATO troops as peacekeepers, while Ukraine insists on maintaining its claim over its territories without recognition of Russian control. Each side’s demands could further entrench divisions, especially with the U.S. pressing both to make concessions.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has stated that while they will never recognize the occupied territories as Russian, the reality may dictate that these areas could remain under Russian control for an extended period. Despite the political and military challenges ahead, both countries appear reluctant to yield their positions, complicating the path to peace.
